Clark believes he has what it takes to play in NFL

August 23, 2009

Senior Daryll Clark has great confidence he can be the next Penn State quarterback to play in the NFL.

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"Absolutely I do," Clark said. "There's no doubt in my mind that I can play there."

Clark earned all-Big Ten honors last season after leading the Nittany Lions to an 11-1 record, conference title and Rose Bowl berth. He passed for 2,592 yards and completed 59.8 percent of his throws.

Clark also accounted for 29 touchdowns - 19 passing, 10 running - and was intercepted only six times. He was third on the team in rushing with 282 yards.

"Obviously we have another season to work out and try to win the Big Ten championship and national championship, but a lot of people will ask me about the NFL," Clark said. "I'd be lying to tell you that it's not in the back of my mind.

"But first things first, I'm still at Penn State to take care of business here."

Galen Hall, Penn State's offensive coordinator, former NFL quarterback and longtime coach, also believes Clark has a good chance to play at the next level.

"I think he has the arm and the intelligence," Hall said. "The arm and the intelligence give the kid a chance.

"He has to get with the right team at the right time, and that will make a difference in Daryll's success. I think he has a chance to be very successful."

Joe Paterno speaks highly of Clark every chance he gets.

"Daryll Clark is a fine, fine quarterback," Paterno said before later adding, "He's everything you want in a quarterback."